Qualified by Obedience

Qualified by ObedienceBy Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

For 120 years, Noah followed God's command to build the ark. This boat was no small project; it was longer than a football field, four stories tall and contained multiple decks. Noah must have been perplexed at the thought of building a large boat in the middle of a land-locked region. For more than one hundred years he experienced scorn and mocking from neighbors who thought he was insane and delusional. Noah must have spent countless hours and resources in building the ark year after year. Yet he continued to follow God's plan. Noah had no ship-building experience. He was not a mariner or even a coastland dweller. Noah seemed the least qualified to build the ark; yet God chose Him, not because God was looking for an expert craftsman, but because He wanted someone faithful and obedient. The Scripture describes Noah as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). God was less concerned with skill and more concerned with obedience. Today, God is still calling those of us who will act in faith and bring glory to His kingdom, even if we feel unqualified for the job. Whenever God calls us to a task, He will equip us and enable us to complete that task. God did not give Noah the ark project without any aid. Noah had no ship-building experience, but God gave him the necessary instructions (see Genesis 6:14-16). Many experts consider the ark the most stable ship in all of history. When God gives us a plan, He will only give us the best plans that lead to the greatest glory for Him. God may be calling you to a task that seems insurmountable. You may feel like Noah, trying to build an ark in the middle of the desert, with no ship-building experience and little support from others. If God has directed you toward a certain project or action, you can trust that God will give you everything you need to complete the task. Prayer: God, I don't feel qualified for the work You have called me to, but I am trusting that You will provide everything I need. Help me to have the heart of a willing servant. Amen.

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